Success stories are an excellent way to share the results of Community Action Agencies with the public and elected officials. A well-written success story stands out and is the best form of advocacy for Community Action. A poorly-written story, on the other hand, can cause more harm than good. Use the checklist below to write a great success story.
Ask a Question: A great way to begin a success story is to ask a question for the reader or listener to ponder. A well-written question acts as an emotional hook. Examples: "How many meals could you provide for your family with $25?" or "Can you imagine sleeping in your car with your child on a cold autumn night because you are suddenly homeless?"
The Rule of Positivity: When telling a story about someone overcoming adversity, we sometimes focus too heavily on the negative conditions that caused them to need help. An inspiring story sets the tone quickly, then focuses on the future. Try this rough formula: 10% of the text focuses on the difficulties the family experienced, 20% focuses on the services or help they received, and 70% focuses on who they are, who and what is important to them, and their hopes and dreams for the future.
Use Imagery: Describing a scene puts the reader in the story, making them feel like they were there. Paint the scene with words if you are writing. For example, "Emma's eyes welled up with tears as she told me about the first night she slept in her car with her infant daughter" is far better than "Emma was a homeless mother." Incorporate photos and videos showing action. A child swinging on a swing or playing with a dog while we hear his mother's voice is far better than a video of someone sitting in an office chair telling the same story. Be sure to secure written releases for all interviews, especially those involving photos or video (see the release templates below).
Use Power Verbs and an Active Voice: Your elementary school teacher was right. Well-written stories stand out. Use powerful verbs (actions) and always write in the active voice. It's usually best to write in the present tense also. Your readers and listeners want to be there as the story unfolds.
Use Statistics Sparingly and Strategically: Including too many statistics bores your audience. Avoid only including statistics that refer to specific groups of people. Saying you served thousands of people won't necessarily inspire anyone. Your story is about one person or one family. Smartly using statistics to relate the success story to your Agency is an effective strategy, however. For example, "XYZ Community Action Agency helped Maria and 42 other local citizens find jobs this year with funding provided through the Community Services Block Grant. Our average cost per household per job secured was $640."
Avoid Controversial Topics: Set aside all controversy. You are working to reach as many people as possible. Stay away from headline topics regardless of your position on those topics. Think of two people you know with very opposite political beliefs. Your success story should be targeted to both of them. Is there anything either of them would find objectionable? You may know someone who immigrated legally to the United States who has a fantastic story, but it may be too politically risky to highlight in the current environment.
Use Words That Work Politically: Semantics matter. After drafting your story, use the "Words That Work" document from the National Community Action Foundation (NCAF)(provided in the resources section below) to edit your story to be politically neutral.
Cut the Flowery Language and Keep it Short: We tend to write a lot of official-sounding sentences because we have been trained to write program reports. The best success stories are concise and avoid flowery language. IPAC recommends not using artificial intelligence (AI) to write the first draft of your story because AI uses flowery words that readers can easily identify as AI. Using artificial intelligence to edit your story can be helpful, but be sure the story retains your "voice."
Find an Editor: Always ask a well-informed editor to improve your success story. If you don't already have an editor, please ask IACAA to help.